Versace
Capri Group’s Italian luxury brand Versace continues to expand its global team, announcing the appointment of Mathieu Baboulène as its new Global Communications Director, effective June 11. In his new role, Mathieu Baboulène will report to Caroline Deroche Pasquier, who recently joined Versace as the Vice President of Global Communications, having previously worked at Bottega Veneta.
Mathieu Baboulène has worked with luxury brands such as Kenzo, Givenchy, Coach, and Maison Margiela. His most recent position was as the Global Senior PR and Communications Director at LVMH-owned brand Kenzo, where he served for four years, formulating new communication strategies under Kenzo’s current artistic director Nigo. Previously, Baboulène also worked with Kenzo’s former artistic director Felipe Oliveria Baptista.
Mathieu Baboulène
In the past year or so, Versace has been steadily introducing experienced executives into its global team, with expertise in communication, marketing, visual merchandising, digital, omnichannel, IT, and innovation, to help elevate the Versace brand.
Calvin Klein
On June 7, PVH Corp’s American designer brand Calvin Klein announced the appointment of Lila Staab as Senior Vice President of Brand Communications and Culture, reporting directly to Calvin Klein’s Global Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Bottomley.
Effective June 10, in her new role, Lila Staab will oversee global entertainment PR and events for Calvin Klein, and lead integrated communication and influence strategies. She will work closely with global and regional teams to enhance brand visibility, foster deeper consumer engagement, and drive innovation across all consumer touchpoints.
Lila Staab
Lila Staab brings over 20 years of experience, having held leadership roles at luxury fashion companies such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. Her experience includes establishing significant industry partnerships with top celebrities and influential leaders in entertainment, fashion, and culture. Most recently, Lila Staab served as the Global Senior Vice President of Entertainment Industry Relations at Gucci for over 14 years, playing a crucial role in shaping the Chime for Change movement dedicated to promoting gender equality.
The Italian Sea Group
Italian luxury yacht operator The Italian Sea Group, listed on the Euronext Milan, announced that its board of directors has appointed Simona Del Re as President, effective until the next shareholders’ meeting. This decision follows the resignation of Filippo Menchelli, who will remain with the company as Chief Commercial Officer.
Simona Del Re graduated in Business Economics from Bocconi University in Milan and has around 20 years of experience in the luxury industry, covering sectors such as fashion, luxury retail, and yachting. She has held managerial positions at globally renowned brands, including serving as Global Corporate Communications Manager at Gucci and Strategic Communications Director at Lane Crawford Joyce Group in Hong Kong.
Simona Del Re
Since 2022, Simona Del Re has established and led the ESG and Corporate Affairs division at The Italian Sea Group, later taking over corporate governance and investor relations management. Her most recent role was Director of Investor Relations and ESG.
Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC)
Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), the Malaysian-owned operator and developer of the iconic Battersea Power Station on the south bank of the Thames in London, announced the appointment of Donagh O’Sullivan as CEO, effective June 18.
Battersea Power Station, built in 1929, was once the largest power station in the UK and one of the largest brick buildings in the world, known for its exquisite design and Art Deco interiors. It was retired in 1983 and has since been redeveloped into a new destination for shopping, leisure, business, and residential purposes, designed by renowned architects Frank Gehry and Foster + Partners.
Donagh O’Sullivan
Donagh O’Sullivan will lead the continued development of this area and oversee the operations of this evolving riverside community, which currently features over 140 shops, bars, restaurants, leisure venues, and office spaces, including Apple’s new 500,000 square foot UK headquarters. The community also includes the newly launched 50 Electric Boulevard, a 200,000 square foot office building designed by Foster + Partners.
Most of Donagh O’Sullivan’s career was with Galliard Homes, the UK’s second-largest property developer, where he joined in 2001 and rose to CEO from 2017 to 2022.
Lago Group
On June 4, Italian handcrafted furniture manufacturer Lago Group announced the appointment of Gilberto Negrini as the new CEO. Founder Daniele Lago will serve as President while continuing to oversee the company’s design direction.
Founded by Daniele Lago and his family in 2006, Lago Group has established a strong presence in the “Made in Italy” modern furniture industry with its precise market positioning and high-end designs.
Gilberto Negrini’s career began in 2002 at the Italian high-end lighting brand Luceplan. He then joined lighting brand Foscarini and top furniture brand Cassina before working for over a decade at Italian furniture design company Kartell, ultimately becoming CEO. Since 2019, Gilberto Negrini has served as CEO of the Italian modern furniture company B&B Italia.
Gilberto Negrini
Amorepacific
Korean beauty giant Amorepacific announced the appointment of Giovanni Valentini as CEO of its North American headquarters, effective June 1.
Giovanni Valentini is a seasoned professional in the high-end beauty sector. Before joining Amorepacific, he worked at Lancôme USA and served as General Manager for L’Oréal Group’s luxury skincare brands in France. He also held roles at Armani Beauty, Kiehl’s, and Unilever in various regions.
Giovanni Valentini
Amorepacific stated that this appointment aims to enhance its North American business, focusing on expanding the customer base of its core brands Laneige, Innisfree, Sulwhasoo, and Tata Harper, while continuing to diversify its brand presence in the US and Canada markets.
In recent years, Amorepacific’s North American business has seen significant growth. The company reported a 58% increase in North American sales in 2023 compared to the previous year, with the region’s share of international sales rising from 5.5% in 2021 to 20.5% in 2023. The skincare brands Laneige, Innisfree, and Sulwhasoo played a key role in this growth.
Meanwhile, former North American head Robin Na has been appointed to lead the group’s business in Japan. With extensive experience in managing international operations, Robin Na is expected to help expand the group’s presence in the Japanese beauty market.
| Sources: Official websites of the groups/brands, individual LinkedIn profiles of the executives, Fashion Network, Montenapodaily.com, theretailbulletin.com
| Image Credit: Official websites of the groups/brands, individual LinkedIn profiles of the executives
| Editor: Liu Jun
